Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Debora Joanne (nee Schmidt) Gray, passed away peacefully in her home beside Lake Rosalind on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.
She leaves behind her husband of 47 years, Bob, two sons Andrew and Matthew, daughters-in-law Juliet and Michelle, two grandchildren Jun and Harry, and her brother Bud.
Debbie was born in Hanover, Ontario, January 7th, 1953 to Elmer and Mary (nee Swinghammer) Schmidt. She grew up spending her summers at Lake Rosalind with her brother Bud and friends. Debbie graduated from JDSS, going on to Wilfred Laurier University, and later the Althouse College for Teachers. She would return to Hanover to be an educator at Dawnview elementary and surrounding schools. Debbie remained a lifelong resident of Hanover and an active community member. She leaves behind not only her loving family, but an entire community of close friendships cultivated from decades of long conversations on the phone, sitting for coffee, taking walks, sharing dinners, and traveling with friends and family. Her community remains close, having provided love, warmth, and support into her final days.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20th, 2024, from 4-7 pm, at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at 11 am, at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Hanover. An Inurnment Service will be held at a later date in Hanover Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Hanover and District Hospital Foundation (https://www.hdhf.ca/donate.html) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
So sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. I always remember how soft spoken and kind she was.
Gone way too soon but suffering no more.
She will remain in the lives of those who loved her through the wonderful memories she gave them. We were all blessed to have known you.
R.I.P. sweet lady. đ"
Dear Bob, Andrew, Mathew and family, we were saddened to learn of Deb's passing. Sending our sympathy & sincere condolences. RIP Deb.
Fondly,
Kathy & Peter McEwenâ¤ď¸
This is a big loss for the Hanover community. Deb was a constant beacon of positivity and support. She was loved by all! Lake Rosalind won't be the same. Passing along condolences to Bob and family from south of the border.
- Sean Mullenso sorry to hear of deb"s passing my deepest condolences bob and family
- billy braithwaiteI am so saddened to hear of this loss to the Gray family. I knew Deb in my high school and University days, having been a friend to Andrew. Deb was a generous and loving person who always took time to get to know you and how you were doing that day.
My condolences to her family and community. This is a loss to many and she will be greatly missed.
Dear Bob and family,
Deb was always warm, kind, and fun. She was an enthusiastic lover of life, always.
The special memories of her for you all, I hope will help the acceptance of her passing at this very sad time.
She was loved.
Ainslie Gray
I am heartbroken to hear this sad news. Please accept my sincere condolences.
- Stephen FrazeeDear Bob, Andrew, Matt, Bud & families,
We are sad to hear of the loss of Deb, who was such a beautiful person.
She will be missed by so many.
Sincerely,
Susan & Dave Campbell
Deepest sympathy to Bob and the family. I will always remember Deb as the quiet student in class, so full of excellent ideas that were revealed in her written work. She was a joy to teach. Many of her students will have fond memories of her as well. Pat Golem
- Pat GolemBob, Andrew and Matt. My deepest sympathies to you and your families.
- Kyler MannMy sympathy Bob and Family Bill Schinbein
- Bill SchinbeinOur most sincere sympathy to Bob and family. Our thoughts are with you - Ron & Bonnie
- Bonnie MacIntyreScott and I were heartbroken to hear the news of Deb's passing. We always enjoyed our conversations over a wonderful glass of wine. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Diana GoodwinWe are saddened to learn of Deb's passing. Our condolences to you Bob and your family.
Sincerely Karen and Doug
We are sending our sympathies to you all at this hard time. May your family and friends give you strength and also enjoy all the great memories you've made together. Rest in peace Debâ¤ď¸
Cathryn, Kris, Anita, Alex and Drew
So sorry to learn of Deb's passing. Stay strong through this difficult time.
Carolyn and Jim Nixon
We are sending our sympathies to you all at this hard time. May your family and friends give you strength and also enjoy all the great memories you've made together. Rest in peace Debâ¤ď¸
Cathryn, Kris, Anita, Alex and Drew
Thinking of you and your family. My deepest sympathies
- Brenda StewartLindsay and I are so sorry for your loss and are sending your family hugs and prayers. May your family be surrounded with peace, comfort and love at this time.
Dave and Lindsay Rouse
Dear Bob, Andrew, Matt and Family.
We are sadden, of the passing of Deb. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Love to all
Brian and Karen
https://youtu.be/ZqpysaAo4BQ?si=uijIWN7XzDj4qzYn
For the Gray family...
Joe & Joy
Bob, Andrew, Matthew & families. Deepest Sympathy. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Aaron, De'Leah, Calan & Avalea.
Bob,Andrew ,Mathew and family- So sorry to hear about Deb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief.
- Les & Ruth ShaneDear Bob, Andrew, Matthew and families. We are so very sorry for your loss. Debbie was such a kind and caring person. She had an amazing smile! I don't remember ever hearing her complain or being upset or angry. She was always a happy to see you person! She will be missed by many many people.
Hugs Ulli and Jane Kaempfe
Dave and I send our deepest condolences to the Gray families. May the love and support of family and friends help comfort and guide you all in the difficult days ahead. Debbie will be sorely missed.
â¤ď¸
Dave & Lorna
Our hearts go out to you and your family. You have our deepest sympathies.
- Bill & Iris ZimmermanBob, Matt,Andrew and family
Sending our deepest condolences on Debs passing. We will miss her smile and beautiful personality. She will be truely mussed at our yearly progressive dinners.
Heartfelt condolences Bob and family. May the cherished memories bring comfort and peace. Hugs
- Ted and Sue BlackburnSo sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.God bless you all.
- Derek and Cheryl AshtonSo sorry to hear of Deb's passing, my deepest condolences to Bob and family.
- Jay BamforthVery sorry to learn of your recent loss. Condolences Bob and Family. I hope the love and support of friends and family, along with wonderful memories, will comfort you during this time.
- Jim FeeDear Bob and family
I am filled with sadness to hear of Deb's passing . She was such a kind, gentle soul. She substituted in my music class at Dawnview and I was always relieved when the class was in her capable hands. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to your entire family
TELF and Vera
Bob, Matt, Andrew & families.
We are saddened to hear about your loss last weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during the days ahead.
Karen, Mike, Scott, Mark and families.
Sending our deepest sympathies we will miss her friendly smile out at the lake.
Dan and Dorothy OConnell
It seems inconceivable and we offer our deepest condolences to Bob and family. She was such a beautiful person and loved her family, friends and community so much. I can hear her friendly, distinctive voice in my head. She actually taught my kindergarten class at Dawnview while I was on a maternity leave, which was such a sweet relief.
- Anna and DonBob, Andrew, Matt, Bud and Families,
We have so many FOND memories of Deb, she was generous with her time doing activities with our kids and also in the community. She was a wonderful cook and it was often heard in our kitchen that my peach pie was not as good as hers....even though, it was her recipe ! She will be dearly missed...Bonnie, Bob, Mike, Carrie, Dave, Michelle Berry
I am so sorry for your loss.
Words feel so inadequate in moments like this, but I want you to know that my thoughts are with you.
With sympathy and support,
-MyLan
We send our most sincere condolences to Bob & family. Debbie was a neighbour and friend. May you find comfort knowing she is now free of pain..
- Ron & Dahl ClarridgeDear Gray Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your wife and mother. My thoughts are with you during this time of sadness.
While no words can ease the pain you're feeling, I hope that you find comfort in the love and support around you, and in the lifetime of memories you've shared.
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Erin
Scott and I were heartbroken to hear the news of Deb's passing. We always enjoyed our conversations over a wonderful glass of wine. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Diana GoodwinBob and family so sad to hear about Deb. Jan and I's thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Joseph SweeneyBob and Family
Our hearts are filled with sorrow upon hearing the news about Debbie's passing. Debbie was always kind, friendly and hospitable. May the love from family and friends help you through you time of sadness. Our most sincere condolences.
Bob,Andrew & Matt
Our sympathies to the Gray families
Brad & Debbie Richardson
Bob, Andrew and Matt.
Our deepest condolences to you and your families. Hugs and prayers.
My sincere condolences go out to you Bob and to your entire family! I know that Deb was very special to all of you and was at one time a very good friend of mine! I feel so privileged to have called her that,âgood friendâ She was a beautiful sole and will be missed by me and so many others. Your friend, always, Jim Curtis
- James CurtisWe are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to the family.
- Susan and Mike MACKAY
